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Denbigh Town Council.I

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Denbigh Town Council. I The Barker's Well Improvement Heated Discussion. The Town Clerk Threatens to Resign. THE quarterly meeting of the Denbigh Town Council was held on Thursday, when there were present the Mayor (Mr R. Owen) presid- ing, Messrs R Humphreys Roberts, Boaz Jones, J. Humphrey Jones, A. Lloyd Jones, J. Hughes, Roger Pryce, S. T. Miller, J. Morris Davies, F. B. Clough, S. Lunt Griffiths, T. Lloyd Jones, C. Cottom, H. D. Hughes, and J. H. Wynne, with th town clerk (Mr J. Parry Jones), the deputy town clerk (Mr E. Parry), and the other officials. The Proposed Loop Line near Green. At a meeting of the Special Railway Facili- ties Committee, a letter was submitted from Sir Frederick Harrison, the general manager of the L. and N. W. Company, confirming the interview which the town clerk had with him in London with reference to the proposed loop line, the question of accommodation At the goods station, and as to the provision of an additional platform at the passenger station. After consideration, it was recommended "That the Company be asked to give a more deiinite assurance that the proposed curve will only be used for through mineral or excursion traffic, and that a^gathering depot will not be established there to the detriment of the trade of the town; and also an mkleraking that the roadway over the new curve will be properly made and macadamised and generally rendered safe and convenient for traffic; also that the serious attention of the Company be called to the question of the accommodation at the goods department and to the necessity for the provision of an additional platform at the passenger station, and that the company be asked for an assurance that the proposed curve shall not be assigned as a reason for de- lay in carrying out these works." The Mayor moved the adoption of the re- port. Mr A. Lloyd Jones, in seconding, asked whether a reply had been receied. The Town Clerk then read a letter from Sir Frederick Harrison asking the Council to be satisfied with the general assurance contained in his letter of the 21st November. In connec- tion with the powers which are being sought by the Company in the ensuing session of Par- liament, there was not likely to be any pre- judicial interference with the train service or accommodation in connection with the town of Denbigh. They were making application to Parliament for the proposed loop-line, for the convenience of the public and to facilitate the general work of the traffic, and he could not, on behalf of the Company, agree to place any resriction upon the user of the proposed loop. Mr Boaz Jones considered the letter very un- satisfactory, and they, as a Council, ought to do their utmost for the trade of Denbigh. Mr J. Humphrey Jones said they ought to insist on better accommodation at the Denbigh Station. The traffic had increased by leaps and bounds during the last 40 years, and nothing hdd been done in the way of improvement. Mr Humphreys Roberts said that unless the Council were willing to go to Parliament they might as well accept the promise of the Rail- way Company. After further discussion, it was decided to refer the matter back to the Committee, with a request to try and get Sir Frederick Harri- son to give the Council an interview to discuss the matter. The Barker's Well Improvement. HEATED DISCUSSION. THREATENED RESIGNATION OF THE TOWN CLERK. Mr J. H. Wynne had given notice to rescind the following resolutions with reference to the proposed widening of Barker's Well-lane:— "That the town clerk enter into provisional agreements for the acquisition of the different lands required for the proposed improvement; That the necessary plans, sections, and detailed estimates be prepared, and application made to the Local Government Board for sanction to a loan of LI,100 for the purpose 01 carrying out the work; That the proposed roadway across the old Tanyard property be marked on the plan as a 'proposed diversion' and not as a 'new road/ and that it be shown 18 feet wide; and that the plans be submitted to the Local Goi-erziment Board showing a 36 ft. road across the old Tanyard property, as the owner would not agree to sell a less width." Before Mr Wynne moved the above, five partitions were presented, signed by a large body of ratepayers, asking the Mayor to call a meeting of the ratepayers. The Mayor explained that he was advised by the town clerk not to call a meeting. The Town Clerk said he wrote a letter to Mr J. Ellis Jones, who presented the petition, stating that it would be highly improper for the mayor to convene a meeting of the rate- payers with the apparently avowed intention of sitting in judgment upon the proceedings of the Town Council. Mr Wynne then proposed the resolutions standing in his name, giving as his reasons that there was no pressing need for the under- taking, and that this was not the time to in- dulge in such a luxury of buying land at 6s a yard. His other reason was on account of the petitions, and he asked the Council whether they thought it advisable, in the face of those, to go on with the proposed alteration, esti- mated at £ 1,100. Mr J. Morris Davies seconded, and stated that his objection to the carrying out of the work was entirely on financial grounds. The town could not afford the improvement. To give 6s a yard for land in that part of the town was out of all reason. He was sure that at a future time Colonel Heaton would sell land to the Council to widen the lower part of the lane. Mr F. B. Clough supported on the ground that he understood the work was simply to be carried out for the sake of the unemployed. It was absolutely unnecessary. If, however, times were hard again next year, he would support the improvement in order that the unemployed might get work. Mr H. D. Hughes said that since reading the signatures of so many farmers, whom he re- presented, on the petitions, he felt inclined to vote against the carrying out of the work. Mr Jamee Hughes, who spoke against the motion, said he did not mind the matter being left in abeyance a short while as long as the town clerk was instructed to enter into a pro- visional agreement for the purchase of the land. The owners of property had given land free of cost to the town for the purpose of widening the lane, and he believed they would be making a fatal mistake if they did not accept the reasonable offer of Mr* David Davies. An Insuperable Objection." Mr T. Lloyd Jones supported the motion, and 6a.id he had an insuperable objection to spend- ing £ 1,100 on this work. He had never seen High-street, Vale-^tree't, and Beacon's Hill so crowded that the traffic required diverting. Mr Humphreys Roberts said that after three years work, it was now suggested that they should throw that time and thought to the wind. He protested on the ground that be- cause Mr Wynne and Mr Morris Davies could not carry the majority, they should have gone about to —— Mr Morris Davies: I object. I never asked one for a name. Mr Wynne: No more did I. Continuing, Mr Roberts said he did not know of a single improvement that they'had carried out without they had some croakers. There were as many genuine unemployed about the town that day as there had ever been. It was pitiful to see strong young fellows loafing about the town. He hoped the Council would stick to their guns, and not be sat upon by two or three members, because they would not accept the decision of the majority. Mr Roger Pryce was about to speak, when the Town Clerk rose to a point of order, and stated that Mr Pryce had no right to address the Council. He had no right to sit at the table. Mr Roger Pryce: With all due respect, I a.n willing to take every responsibility. The Mayor: What do you say, gentlemen? Mr Humphreys Roberts: It is not a question for the Council. It is a question for the Mayor, guided by the town clerk. Mr Roger Pryce said he protested against the town clerk's procedure, especially the way he appeared there that afternoon. He (Mr Pryce) came to the Council with a clear head. The Town Clerk: The question is whether he has a right to speak. Mr Roger Pryce: I insist upon my rights. I am duly qualified to speak here. The Mayor: I won't take the responsibility. Mr T. Lloyd Jones: On what grounds are we expected to vote. The Town Clerk: Because he is paid by the ratepayers, like myself. Mr Roger Pryce again stated that he would take the responsibility.. There was a great deal of wire-pulling about this question The Mayor: You have had Jairplay from me. I think it will be stronger from the Council. l"No, no.") Mr Miller: Where is the reason for this mat- ter cropping up to-day. I know Mr Roger Pryce is a paid official, but why should come up to-day. I don't see why it should be sprung at us like this. The Clerk's Threat. After further argument, the Mayor allowed Mr Roger Pryce to proceed. Mr Pryce then urged the Council to reject Mr Wynne's motion, and whilst in the middle of his speech, the Town Clerk rose, and, ad- dressing the Mayor, said, "I resign my town clerkship. ("No, no.") A fellow like that has no right to speak to you." The Clerk thereupon left the room. Mr Roger Pryce (continuing): A certain man has tried to treat with Mr David Jones for the purchase of this land, and if he was success- ful he was going to charge the Corporation 7s a square yard. Mr Clough: As the town clerk has left the room, are we in order? Mr Boaz Jones: The Mayor is here, as well as the deputy town clerk. Mr Roger Pryce: As I said before, there has been opposition to every improvement, and always will be. Mr Boaz Jones: I have kept silent regarding this matter, thinking it would be personal to press for the improvements. I am one of the vedt ratepayers in the town. I pay L40 a year. I have been most annoyed when a heavy load comes up the lane and another cart com- ing down. The lane is only just wide enough for one cart. Certainly it would be an advan- tage to the Graig to get a great deal the traffic that way. It would be a great improve- ment. I have carried on my work for 29 years, and I am quite willing to carry it on again, but it has been a great inconvenience, I can tell you. I look at this attempt as a very un- manly attempt. It is a breach of trust and honour. I would have given land on the other side if they had asked for it. Why not bring on these objections at the time? It is a fairly mean way of doing matters. Mr Morris Davies: I don't know whether he is alluding to me, but he is entirely out of order. I have never asked Mr Boaz Jones: The cap fits. I see. Mr Morris Davies: I never asked a single gentleman in Denbigh to affix his signature to the petition. The Mayor: I would suggest to Mr Jones not to use such strong words. I think you ought to withdraw that word "unmanly." Mr Morris Davies: We have been named. I have never had anything to do with this petition. "A Breach of Trust." Mr Boaz Jones: It is a breach of trust—like children playing. lou ought to act as men when sent here to represent the ratepayers. The objection is very childish. Mr Cottom: I want to justify my vote. I came to this Council when this matter was en- tirely settled. It is true I voted for the re- solutions. I supported the carrying out of this work because I believe it would be a great improvement. It would ill become me as a new member to try and upset the work which has cost the older members so much thought and time. I give all due credit to my new co- members. who are actuated no doubt by the best of motives, but I feel it my duty to stand by the resolution as originally passed. Mr Wynne: I wish to protest against Mr Humphreys Roberts's remarks. I know he has lost his temper a little. Mr Humphreys: It is not worth losing your temper about. Mr Wynne: I defy him to say I asked a single man to sign these papers. I should like to know who he means by "croakers." Does he mean to say Col. Hughes, Col. Heaton, Mr Griffith, Garn, etc. Are they "croakers"? Mr Miller: They are always against im- provements in Denbigh. Mr Wynne: No. Can't I speak my opinion without asking Mr Humphreys Roberts? Mr Boaz Jones: Certainly. Mr Wynne: At the December Council meet- ing we passed a resolution to apply to the Local Government Board for power to make this road 18 ft. wide instead of 36 ft. Did you apply to the Local Government Board? No. Why? Mr Humphreys Roberts knows, and I say this is not straightforward business. Mr James Hughes: Is this a reply, Mr Mayor. Mr Miller: No. it's another speech. Mr Wynne: That's what happened before Mr Roberts's motion was put at the last meeting. This does not seem a quite straightforward business. Mr Miller: That's a statement to make: the question of the straightforwardness of 11 to 4, and because they were beaten they have been running round the town. Mr Wynne: I have never been round. I Mr Miller: You get your lieutenants to go. Mr Moriis Davies: 1 protest against these remarks about us. Mr Cottom: I think it is all out of order for these gentlemen to be making these various in- criminations. Mr Clough: I don't think we are out of order at all. After quietness had been restored, a vote was taken, when the Council voted as follows: —For Mr Wynne's motion, Messrs J. H. Wynie, J. Morris Davies, T. Lloyd Jones, F. B. Clough, and H. D. Hughes—5; against, Messrs Humphreys Roberts, Boaz Jones, Jas. Hughes, Roger Pryce. S. Lunt Griffiths, J. Humphrey Jones, C. Cottom, S. T. Miller—8; neutral, the Mayor and Mr A. Lloyd Jones. The resolution of Mr Wynne was therefore rejected. Gifts of Land. Mr Thomas Williams. Llewesog, wrote call- ing attention to the necessity of improving the corner of the road near Captain Bridge, and also with respect to a dangreous spot near Rossa. A letter was read from Mrs Pierce, Salus- bury Place, stating that they would be only too pleased if the trustees could see their way to give a portion of land for the widening of the road at Captain Bridge. It was decided that as the trustees—of whom the Mayor of Denbigh was one-met on the 1st March, the matter be referred to them. i Mr James Hughes informed the Council that Col. Lloyd Williams would be most pleased to give any reasonable portion of land, on the Council undertaking to rebuild the wall. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Col. Lloyd Williams, and'the subject was referred to tfte next meeting of the Highway Commit- tee.

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